Zimbabwe Nurses Go on Strike, Demand Salary Increases

Hospitals across Zimbabwe were thrown into turmoil as nurses walked off the job, leaving wards understaffed and patients without care, in a push for higher wages and allowances.

At Parirenyatwa hospital, operations slowed to a near standstill, with student nurses drafted into critical units to keep services running. The walkout erupted just days after a similar action at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital. Nurses said their frustrations have intensified following recent fuel price hikes that have sent transport costs soaring.

They currently receive a transport allowance of ZiG500 — roughly $15 — which they say falls well short, with some spending more than $6 every day just to commute. Health Service Commission Public Relations Officer Kudzayi Manyepa said the authorities would address the concerns and called on nurses to lodge their grievances through formal channels.